Previous Year Question
What is the correct sequence of the States in descending order in the production of sugarcane in 2013?
Karnataka, Maharashtra, Haryana, U.P.
U.P., Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana
Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, U.P.
U.P., Karnataka, Maharashtra, Haryana
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
According to the sugarcane production data available around 2013, among the four States given, Uttar Pradesh was the largest producer of sugarcane. It was followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka and Haryana, respectively.
Sugarcane production in 2012-13 was approximately—
Uttar Pradesh — 135.16 million tonnes
Maharashtra — 76.55 million tonnes
Karnataka — 35.91 million tonnes
Haryana — 7.45 million tonnes
Thus, the descending order of production was clearly—
Uttar Pradesh > Maharashtra > Karnataka > Haryana.
Uttar Pradesh has a very large area under sugarcane, extensive irrigation facilities and favourable conditions in the Gangetic plains, resulting in very high production. Maharashtra has a smaller sugarcane area than Uttar Pradesh, but its high productivity and developed sugar industry make it a major producer.
Karnataka is also an important sugarcane-producing State, particularly in irrigated areas, but its total production was considerably lower than that of Maharashtra. Haryana grows sugarcane as well, but its area and total output were much lower than those of the other three States.